Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, severe disease in which the spine is the primary target. This is an inflammatory illness, which causes inflammation, discomfort, and stiffness.
“Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Over time, it can lead to the fusion of the vertebrae, causing chronic pain and a loss of mobility. This condition typically strikes young adults, often in their late teens or early twenties, and can significantly impact their quality of life,” said Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder of StemRx BioScience Solutions India. According to MayoClinic, Ankylosing spondylitis can create difficulties with the aorta, the body's biggest artery.
Current Treatment Options Available
Many AS patients have found relief from traditional therapy such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and biologic pharmaceuticals. Historically, AS has been managed with medications aimed at reducing inflammation and pain, and in more severe cases, biologic drugs that suppress the immune system. These treatments can be effective, but they are not without drawbacks.
“Long-term use of NSAIDs can have adverse effects on the stomach, kidneys, and heart. Biologic drugs, while often effective, can also have side effects, including an increased risk of infections. Additionally, these treatments may not halt the progression of AS or reverse damage that has already occurred,” Dr Mahajan stated.
Also read: Arthritis In Young Adults: Risk Factors And Symptoms
Therefore, many patients still face the prospect of spinal fusion surgery, a procedure that limits mobility and comes with its own set of risks and challenges.
Enter Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine offers a promising alternative to traditional AS treatments. This innovative field harnesses the body's own natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. While regenerative medicine is still in its infancy compared to traditional treatments, it has shown considerable potential in treating AS.
Mesenchymal Cell Therapy
Mesenchymal cell therapy is one of the leading regenerative approaches being explored for AS treatment. Mesenchymal cells, found in bone marrow and adipose tissue, have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including cartilage and bone cells. By injecting these cells into the affected areas, researchers hope to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Another regenerative technique gaining traction is Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy. PRP involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting it into the affected joints. Platelets contain growth factors that can promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Advantages of Regenerative Medicine
“One of the key advantages of regenerative medicine over traditional treatments is the potential to address the root cause of AS, rather than merely managing its symptoms. By repairing damaged tissues and modulating the immune response, regenerative therapies may slow or even reverse the progression of the disease. Also, these treatments often have fewer side effects compared to long-term NSAID or biological drug use”, Dr Mahajan said.
By harnessing the body's natural healing mechanisms, regenerative therapies aim to not only manage symptoms but potentially reverse the course of the disease. While there are challenges to overcome, the future of AS treatment looks brighter than ever thanks to these exciting developments in regenerative medicine.
Also read: Arthritis In Women: Expert Lists Tips To Reduce The Risk
Mesenchymal cells, typically derived from the patient's own bone marrow or adipose tissue, have the capacity to differentiate into various cell types, including cartilage and bone cells. By injecting these cells into affected areas, StemRx aims to stimulate tissue repair and modulate the immune response, potentially slowing or reversing the progression of Ankylosing Spondylitis, while also potentially offering a treatment with fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.